LIPSTICK THAT LASTS FOR YEARSAn important observation made by my boyfriend Rich in my Dermagraphics office made me take another in depth look on the ever changing mucus membrane called our lips. I treasure the comments from my clients significant others because the male species has a habit of being brutally honest on the concept and final out come of permanent make up. Observing a happy client exit my practice after her final lip color appointment Rich commented on the distinct differences he now sees in women of all ages. He noticed younger women between 18-25 had deep color and definition of the lip line, guessing some where around 30- 35 women's lips began to look a little pale with the upper lip appearing even more flesh tone and thinner with women 35-60. There is nothing of greater value than pearls of wisdom on beauty from a manly man. "Women look younger with permanent color on their lips and they don't seem to loose their upper lip." It was a proud moment for me. For years a woman's lips have been a sign of her youth and sensuality. The curve of the upper lip is even referred to as the Cupids bow. Natural lips come in all shapes and sizes some full, some thin and underdeveloped, (possibly due to hereditary factors). Natural lip color changes constantly because of the blood supply. Think of when you are hot, cold, sun tanned, sick, or excited your lips are different shades. The aging process, natural elements, and cigarette smoking can make the lips thinner and smaller. The corners of the mouth can sag while the upper lip looks flatter loosing fullness. Vertical lines and wrinkles become evident when topical lipstick is applied. Many women choose permanent lipstick because it can actually appear to reshape or increase the size of the lips and enhance the color. Permanent color can help lipstick from bleeding into surrounding skin and camouflage age lines that surround the lips. Often times clients so pleased with the finished lip procedure they are able to post pone medical enhancements such as collagen. Active women who are golfing and swimming enjoy constant color that never rubs off at play or dinner. Physically impaired and stroke patients have self esteem restored knowing they always look their best because they have chosen permanent cosmetics. Or maybe you are just like me thirty-nine with a busy career happy that my significant other sees my lips as those of the younger woman. The actual lip procedure usually takes place twenty-four hours after the consultation. A sensitivity test is recommend for allergies. If you have had fever blisters or cold sores (not a problem) you should be advised and given a form to take to your physician to prevent a break out. Allow several hours for your first visit. Topical anesthesia is chosen and used, before and during the procedure according to your medical information taken at your consultation. A healing time is given generally four to seven weeks and you schedule your final visit. Because the body swells permanent makeup requires two visits, it is rare that one visit is sufficient. You will experience some mild swelling the first day and possibly the second day, the lips exfoliate (like chapped lips) day three or four. By day six soft rich color appears. Day seven through thirteen you will go through a second chapping stage as the color blooms from within. Usually healing is complete by day twenty-one. Stephanie Miller |